Premier division: ten key points to watch for this round of fixtures
Garnacho versus Walker ready for a fresh battle
A Mancunian rematch could be on the cards when Burnley's Kyle Walker faces the Blues' Alejandro Garnacho at Turf Moor. The wide man has started to settle at Stamford Bridge after his summer move from Old Trafford and showcased his talents against Wolves prior to the national team interval. His setup for Pedro Neto blended rapid acceleration with a ideal low cross. His build-up for Malo Gusto entailed cutting inside prior to chipping a delivery toward the far post. His celebration with Neto, replicating his previous hug with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund, acted as a testament of the speed at which circumstances change. The previous occasion Garnacho took on Walker? Back when the Argentine scored for United in their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Burnley against Chelsea, Saturday 12.30pm (kick-offs GMT)
The winger crucial to ending Cherries' slump
Antoine Semenyo is attracting the complete transfer speculation focus due to a alleged £65m escape clause for a prospective winter exit, the tabloids preparing him for advancement out of the Premier League's mid-table ranks. That is predictable from a winger who has six finishes and three assists and remains delightful to watch. Still, his team are in an tricky situation, having undergone a body swap: it is the bottom-half team West Ham who arrive on consecutive triumphs, whereas Bournemouth have been beaten seven to one on aggregate in their past two games after an promising start to the season. Semenyo saw his attempt stopped on the penalty by Emi Martínez in the 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa yet confronting a backline lacking a goalless game since August might be the best solution.
Bournemouth versus West Ham, Saturday afternoon three o'clock
3. Welbeck a left-field choice for England
It proved interesting to hear Thomas Tuchel reference Danny Welbeck repeatedly during the fixture pause even though the Brighton attacker turns 35 soon. “Despite not knowing him, I am aware what he is able to give me,” commented the England boss. “He can be a reserve for Harry [Kane] in a quite orthodox striker role.” Having won the final 42 England games several years ago, there is every chance that Welbeck may be selected to the World Cup if he is able to continue his goalscoring performances. The ex- Manchester United and Arsenal striker can claim more goals over every other English player in the top flight this term on six and will be keen to add to that count when Brighton entertain Brentford this weekend.
Brighton vs Brentford, Saturday 3:00 PM
4. Sessegnon crucial as assist provider and scorer
Sessegnon's story has provided a measure of comfort to Fulham's bumpy beginning. The left-sided player, who came back to his boyhood club in 2024 after five tough years at Tottenham, has emerged as a consistent pick, driving down the left side with the unavailable Antonee Robinson. The concern? With two goals, he is their top goalscorer in the Premier League together with Harry Wilson. Their main striker, their top scorer last season, has netted a single goal whereas Rodrigo Muniz is unavailable for the long term due to hamstring surgery. Sessegnon must also having to step up in a creative role instead of Robinson, who supplied 10 assists in the previous campaign. Fulham's next four games include three from the leading five plus Crystal Palace, who have conceded only nine goals in the Premier League so far. A threat emerges for a team that have built a name for mid-table stability.
Fulham vs Sunderland, Saturday afternoon 3pm
5. Time for The striker to perform for the Merseyside club
The debate about Virgil van Dijk's ruled-out strike versus Manchester City failed to mask Liverpool's inferiority on the day as they lost to a seventh defeat over ten fixtures. Arne Slot's side require a prolonged upturn to force their way into the championship chase from here, as well as a significant upturn in results, and the possibility presents itself as seven out of their upcoming ten Premier League matches facing sides currently in the bottom half of the table. The danger is obvious posed by Nottingham Forest, the single club to deliver a loss at Anfield on the champions in the last term, but it is not only Liverpool's showing versus long balls and fast breaks that is in focus. Now is the occasion for Alexander Isak to perform in a Liverpool shirt. The expensive signing has not played for his club for a month after picking up a muscle issue when making his second start in four days in continental competition victory abroad. The striker came back from the bench in Sweden's defeat against Switzerland but was rested the midweek meaningless match with Slovenia to ensure his readiness for next year's World Cup knockout rounds. A yellow card during the game could have suspended him. Isak may be short of|lacking|deficient
